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Steam announces move into hardware with set-top boxes

The SteamOS is a big push for free PC OS Linux instead of Windows or Mac. (Valve Corp.)

A Steam Universe user group has opened on the Steam Network in advance of a second announcement expected to detail plans for a range of gaming-oriented set-top boxes.

Set up by Valve staffer Eric Hope, who prior to his stint at the Steam HQ had designed for Apple, the Steam Universe group page proposes "discussion about SteamOS, Beta Hardware, and Big Picture Mode."

The group's header further confirms expectations that Valve will soon flesh out its plans for a new device or product range that will carry Valve's recently announced, free operating system SteamOS.

The SteamOS, designed around games, music, movies, and family entertainment, was announced on Sept. 23.